Political Science 110 Fall 2000
Comparative Politics of Africa Mr. Hopkins

This seminar will examine major concerns in African politics. These include the establishment of states, the prospects for political and economic development of these states, the collapse of states, the role of shadow states and economies and the relations (1) among African "states" and (2) between them and the international community.

The effort to establish viable institutions and effective policies that serve to improve human well-being and resolve basic conflicts is a central element in African politics. The success and failure of such efforts is a phenomenon each student should aim to discuss knowledgeably by the end of the seminar.

Most of the seminar will concentrate on countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Attention will also be given, depending on interest, to selected North African countries. In addition, you are encouraged to make comparisons with countries outside Africa. In the first weeks of the seminar an overview of the current situation and the historical forces that have shaped contemporary Africa will be reviewed. The latter weeks will focus on specific problems (economic policy, civil war) and specific countries (Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Somalia, Uganda, Zaire, South Africa, Tanzania).

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